Signs of pregnancy spotting and cramping

Most Common Early Pregnancy Signs

There are common signs which will tell that you are pregnant right after conception, even if they are subtle. Let’s take a look at some of the most common early pregnancy signs so that you can learn to recognize them.

What are the common signs of pregnancy?

The common pregnancy signs include the desire to urinate frequently and this symptom will persist through all nine months of pregnancy. There is a change in your desire to eat certain foods. This could be an early sign of pregnancy, but it could also mean that you are ovulating.

There are some more signs that add up to predict your pregnancy.

The most common sign of pregnancy is a missed period. A delayed or missed period is a surefire indication that you are pregnant. However, keep in mind that the delay could be due to hormonal contraception or the effect of certain pills you have taken. The perpetual feeling of exhaustion wearies you as your body is going through changes for the baby and there is an increased production of estrogen and progesterone.

Another common early sign of pregnancy is food craving, the desire to eat certain foods to satisfy the needs of the baby. Nausea and vomiting can hamper the day’s events and could be present during 12-14 weeks of pregnancy or even exist in some form throughout the pregnancy.

One of the most common signs of pregnancy is the enlargement of the breasts. They could also turn tender, sore and painful. The skin around the nipples could get darker. All these are an indication that your breasts are preparing for breastfeeding.

Spotting and cramping are also common early signs of pregnancy. You could be spotting or bleeding slightly unlike your regular period. This is normal when the egg is getting implanted in the endometrial layer. However, if the bleeding continues it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Mood swings as hormones rage in the body is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy. It is not uncommon to feel extreme depression or anxiety in sudden bouts. In most cases however, these mood swings set in after a while and do not necessarily stay for the entire term. At times your breasts may discharging colostrums in about 20 weeks of pregnancy, which is quite normal and will not affect breastfeeding your baby.

Pregnancy Symptoms

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Are you wondering if you might be pregnant? The only way to know for sure is by taking a pregnancy test.

But there are early symptoms of pregnancy that may point to the possibility. Here’s what to look for.

Do All Women Get Early Symptoms of Pregnancy?

Every woman is different. So are her experiences of pregnancy. Not every woman has the same symptoms or even the same symptoms from one pregnancy to the next.

Also, because the early symptoms of pregnancy often mimic the symptoms you might experience right before and during menstruation, you may not realize you’re pregnant.

What follows is a description of some of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy. You should know that these symptoms may be caused by other things besides being pregnant. So the fact that you notice some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you are pregnant. The only way to tell for sure is with a pregnancy test.

Spotting and Cramping

After conception, the fertilized egg attaches itself to wall of the uterus. This can cause one of the earliest signs of pregnancy — spotting and, sometimes, cramping.

That’s called implantation bleeding. It occurs anywhere from six to 12 days after the egg is fertilized.

The cramps resemble menstrual cramps, so some women mistake them and the bleeding for the start of their period. The bleeding and cramps, however, are slight.

Besides bleeding, a woman may notice a white, milky discharge from her vagina. That’s related to the thickening of the vagina’s walls, which starts almost immediately after conception. The increased growth of cells lining the vagina causes the discharge.

This discharge, which can continue throughout pregnancy, is typically harmless and doesn’t require treatment. But if there is a bad smell related to the discharge or a burning and itching sensation, tell your doctor so they can check on whether you have a yeast or bacterial infection.

Breast Changes

Breast changes are another very early sign of pregnancy. A woman’s hormone levels rapidly change after conception. Because of the changes, her breasts may become swollen, sore, or tingly a week or two later. Or they may feel heavier or fuller or feel tender to the touch. The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.

Other things could cause breast changes. But if the changes are an early symptom of pregnancy, keep in mind that it is going to take several weeks to get used to the new levels of hormones. But when it does, breast pain should ease up.

Feeling very tired is normal in pregnancy, starting early on.

A woman can start feeling unusually fatigued as soon as one week after conceiving.

Why? It’s often related to a high level of a hormone called progesterone, although other things — such as lower levels of blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and a boost in blood production — can all contribute.

If fatigue is related to pregnancy, it’s important to get plenty of rest. Eating foods that are rich in protein and iron can help offset it.

Nausea (Morning Sickness)

Morning sickness is a famous symptom of pregnancy. But not every pregnant woman gets it.

The exact cause of morning sickness is not known but pregnancy hormones likely contribute to this symptom. Nausea during pregnancy may occur at any time of the day but most commonly in the morning.

Also, some women crave, or can’t stand, certain foods when they become pregnant. That’s also related to hormonal changes. The effect can be so strong that even the thought of what used to be a favorite food can turn a pregnant woman’s stomach.

It’s possible that the nausea, cravings, and food aversions can last for the entire pregnancy. Fortunately, the symptoms lessen for many women at about the 13th or 14th week of their pregnancy.

In the meantime, be sure to eat a healthy diet so that you and your developing baby get essential nutrients. You can talk to your doctor for advice on that.

Missed Period

The most obvious early symptom of pregnancy — and the one that prompts most women to get a pregnancy test — is a missed period. But not all missed or delayed periods are caused by pregnancy.

Also, women can experience some bleeding during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor what you should be aware of with bleeding. For example, when is bleeding normal and when is it a sign of an emergency?

There are reasons, besides pregnancy, for missing a period. it might be that you gained or lost too much weight. Hormonal problems, fatigue, or stress are other possibilities. Some women miss their period when they stop taking birth control pills. But if a period is late and pregnancy is a possibility, you may want to get a pregnancy test.

Other Early Symptoms of Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings changes in your hormonal balance. And that can cause other symptoms that include:

Frequent urination. For many women, this starts around the sixth or eighth week after conception. Although this could be caused by a urinary tract infection, diabetes, or overusing diuretics, if you’re pregnant, it’s most likely due to hormonal levels.

Constipation. During pregnancy, higher levels of the hormone progesterone can make you constipated. Progesterone causes food to pass more slowly through your intestines. To ease the problem, drink plenty of water, exercise, and eat plenty of high-fiber foods.

Mood swings. These are common, especially during the first trimester. These are also related to changes in hormones.

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Cramping During Pregnancy

Cramping during pregnancy can be very concerning to a pregnant mother. Cramping can be mild to severe. Cramps can be a signal of a problem or just another sign of a stretching and growing uterus. The question then arises, should I be concerned about cramping? We hope to clarify some of the common causes of cramping during pregnancy.

Causes of Cramping During Early Pregnancy

1. Implantation cramping – Some women will experience cramping upon implantation. Implantation usually occurs 8-10 days after ovulation. You should not experience implantation cramping after a positive pregnancy test; however, many a woman has experienced cramping only to find that she is indeed pregnant shortly there after.

2. Stretching uterus – As your body prepares for it’s new baby your uterus will stretch and expand. The ligaments that support the uterus will stretch and with this stretching may cause mild cramps.

3. Miscarriage – Cramping during early pregnancy, especially accompanied by spotting or bleeding, is a warning sign of a possible miscarriage.

4. Ectopic pregnancy – Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. Signs of an ectopic pregnancy include cramping and abdominal pain (particularly on one side), spotting, or bleeding.

5. Other causes of cramping during early pregnancy – constipation or gas pains. Pregnant women often have problems with constipation. This can lead to uncomfortable cramping as well.

Causes of Cramping During Late Pregnancy

1. Round ligament pain – The infamous round ligament pain strikes pregnant women often in their second and third trimester. As in early pregnancy the uterus continues to stretch and grow. As the uterus expands the ligaments stretch to support it. Mild cramping may occur.

2. Preterm labor – Cramping, mild or severe, diarrhea, and back pain can all be indicators of preterm labor.

3. Braxton Hicks contractions – In the second and third trimester pregnant women will often have Braxton Hicks contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are the irregular intermittent contractions that occur during pregnancy.

4. Labor – During early labor cramping and back pain are common symptoms.

Because normal pregnancy cramps can be hard to differentiate from a sign of danger, we recommend discussing any cramping with your doctor.